10 Most Common Habits That Damage Your Kidneys
Kidneys are one of the vital body organs, as their function is to eliminate waste and toxins from the body through the urine. Thus, they regulate the levels of minerals, such as calcium, and phosphate.
Additionally, kidneys regulate blood pressure as they produce essential hormones which are necessary for this function, as well as for the formation of red blood cells whose responsibility is to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Therefore, it is of high importance to support the proper function of kidneys. If it is obstructed in some way, you may experience some of the following symptoms: vomiting, bad breath, changed urine in color and quality, dizziness, itchy skin, breathing issues, sudden pain, anemia, fatigue or tiredness, or feeling cold most of the time.
It’s not too late to unlearn these damaging behaviors. Here a list of ten common habits that you might not realize are putting pressure on your kidneys.
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid painful kidney stones. Those with kidney problems or kidney failure may need to restrict their fluid intake, but for most people, drinking 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day is a healthy target.
The recommended amount of water daily is at least 10-12 glasses in the case of an adult person. Yet, make sure you do not exaggerate as excessive amounts of water may harden the kidney function.
2. Delaying the Urge to Urinate
This is one of the most common causes of damage to the kidneys, as the urine remains in the bladder longer, as it supports the multiplication of bacteria in the urine.
These harmful bacteria cause urinary tract and kidney infections. Moreover, retaining the urine applies pressure to the kidneys and leads to renal failure and urinary incontinence. Hence, note that you should never postpone the urge to urinate.
3. Cigarettes
Smoking is a really detrimental habit, which damages all body organs, including the kidneys. Numerous studies have found a link between smoking and kidney disease, and according to the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), smoking is the number one cause of ESRD (end-stage renal disease).
This bad habit raises blood pressure and the heart rate, and reduces the blood flow and narrows the blood vessels in kidneys. Moreover, it aggravated kidney diseases and accelerates the loss of the function of kidneys.
4. High Protein Diet
Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood that can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis – a condition in which kidneys cannot eliminate acid fast enough. Protein is needed for growth, upkeep and repair of all parts of the body but your diet should be well balanced with fruits and vegetables.
5. High Intake of Salt
The regular use of high amounts of salt severely damages the kidneys and leads to various health problems.
Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys. Flavor your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt (sodium) on your food.
6. Lack of Sleep
A good night’s rest is extremely important to your overall well-being and, it turns out, your kidneys. Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours.
7. Regular Use of Analgesics
Over the counter pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Analgesics, may alleviate your aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recommended dosage.
8. Lack of Sleep
Numerous people ignore the importance of rest and sleep. However, a good night sleep of 6- 8 hours is essential for the body. The organ tissues renew during the sleep, so in the case of sleep deficiency, these processes will be stopped, leading to damage of body organs.
Numerous studies have shown that improper sleep leads to increased clogging of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure, which elevated the chances for development of kidney diseases.
Hence, make sure you always find a perfect balance between work and sleep, rest and leisure and everyday tasks, as this has a major impact on your overall health, including your kidneys.
9.. Regular Use of Analgesics
Over the counter pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and Analgesics, may alleviate your aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recommended dosage.
10. Excessive amounts of Caffeine
Too much caffeine increases the blood pressure, and applied pressure to the kidneys, leading to kidney damage. According to a 2002 study published in Kidney International, the consumption of caffeine is directly linked to kidney stones, as caffeine increases the excretion of calcium in the urine.
Yet, moderate consumption of drinks like coffee or tea will not be harmful, but you should reduce the intake of energy drinks, chocolate, medications, cocoa, and soft drinks.
Source:medicaldailypress.blogspot.com, kidney.org